How do synchronous motors differ from alternators?

Figure: Diagram of a simple alternator with a rotating magnetic core (rotor) and stationary wire (stator) 

They may be just like alternators; however, if they are, they won’t be self-starting and will have to be started by some means until they approach synchronous speed, at which time they can be connected to the line and pull into speed. Most synchronous motors have a squirrel cage winding in addition to the dc field. They start as a squirrel cage motor, and when they are about up to the speed of the alternator, the dc field is energized. The poles then lock in position with the revolving field of the armature, and the rotor revolves in synchronization with the supply circuit.

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